The Area

Things to Do & Places of Interest

Finished wandering the property’s 88 acres? Guests of Lodge Lorien at Wagon Gap Trail find themselves just 7 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile stretch of highway famous for its scenic views of the Appalachian Highlands. Stop along the way to fly fish in Pigeon River or hike Looking Glass Falls, a meandering trail that features picturesque waterfalls and swimming holes.

Between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Wagon Gap Trail lies an area known as the Cradle of Forestry—the birthplace of forest conservation in America. Visitors can explore the Cradle’s Discovery Center and numerous historical buildings to learn about native flora and fauna and the history of science-based forestry.

Just northwest of Wagon Gap Trail, you’ll find Cold Mountain, the most famous of the Great Balsam Mountains. A hike to its summit takes about 7 hours but is well worth the views. Read the book or watch the movie before you make the trip!

After a long day on the trail, a 28-mile drive will take you to Brevard, where you can enjoy a crisp mountain lager at Brevard Brewing Company. If you’re up for a slightly longer drive, 36 miles on the road will take you to Asheville, a city well-known for its music, art, and microbreweries and home to the world-famous Biltmore Estate.

On the way back, stop in Waynesville and Canton to peek inside Mast General Store or enjoy food and fun at Frog Level Brewing. From either of these towns, it’s only a 16-mile drive back to the warm hearth and rugged comforts of Wagon Gap Trail.